Gracie Ortiz, Fannie Mae’s on-site eldercare consultant, has identified the most common times when a caregiver sees herself as a caregiver. It happens when:
• There is a formal diagnosis of the care recipient
• The care recipient is discharged from the hospital
• Caregiving disrupts work schedules or normal routines
• The caregiver’s physical or emotional health is negatively affected
• Decisions are made to move the care recipient
• Out-of-pocket expenses increase significantly, and/or
• Informal adjustments to work become more regular
Even though it may be hard or take a long time to see yourself as a caregiver, there are benefits to doing so. The National Family Caregivers Association 2001 survey of family caregivers found that when caregivers identify themselves as such, they “become more proactive about seeking resources and skills they need to assist their care recipient. Self-identification…leads to increased confidence when talking to healthcare professionals about their loved one’s care.”
Taking Care of Yourself
Even with those who do self-identify, according to the NFCA study, “fewer caregivers seek prompt attention from a doctor for their own health problems than they did before they were caregivers (47 percent versus 70 percent).” Exercise, the report notes, is the one activity that is most likely to go by the wayside, with only 30 percent of caregivers getting exercise compared to the 61 percent who exercised prior to becoming a caregiver.
Remember the importance of self-care. Most healthcare professionals with whom you interact may focus solely on your loved one’s health. Your primary responsibility as a caregiver must be to maintain your own well-being.
Carolyn McIntyre is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Employee Assistance Professional with over 18 years of providing counseling, coaching, training and support groups. As a consultant for APS Healthcare, McIntyre also provides onsite caregiver support groups for companies. More on McIntyre is available at www.carolynmcintyre.com.
Copyright ©2007 Caring Today, LLC. As originally appeared on www.caringtoday.com and/or in Caring Today magazine. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
